Midge elimination methods, biology and
identification of midges.

This fly belongs to a family of small to moderately large
flies. People are often alarmed by midges since they resemble mosquitoes.
However, they differ from mosquitoes in that the wings are not scaled and the mouthparts
are short and not adapted for biting. Adult midges are slender, usually less than 5
mm long with long, slender legs and wings. Midges lay their eggs on water. The
larvae are usually aquatic, are found in quiet water such as lakes, ponds, reservoirs and
tanks, and are bottom feeders. Polluted water apparently favors their growth and
development. In the summer, eggs will hatch in about 3 days and larvae will reach
adulthood in about 4 weeks.

During peak emergence, large numbers of midges fly into
residential and industrial areas causing annoyance and damage. They are attracted to
lights at night and thousands will rest on the outside of buildings and will enter homes
through the slightest crack. They fly into people's eyes, ears and mouths and are
sometimes inhaled. Everything is contaminated by midges!

Midge invasions may be abated by avoiding the use of
outdoor lighting to the greatest possible extent, especially during early evening hours.
For those midges that are still able to find their way indoors, the residual and space treatments described for the house fly will provide some degree of
relief.

Midges are rarely a problem in a well-balanced aquatic
community. Pollution of water, where algae growth provides food for midge larvae to
feed, results in excessive midge populations. Certain insecticides can be applied to
the water to kill midge larvae, but if the food supply which will support future midge
outbreaks is not removed, the source of the problem remains. Midges have been
controlled in small bodies of water by stocking them with carp and goldfish at the rate of
150 to 500 pounds per acre of water surface.

When water management techniques are not practical and
the treatment of larval breeding waters is not feasible, fogging for adult flies may
provide temporary relief. Malathion and synergized pyrethrins are examples of
insecticides that have been used to control adult midges. Fogging provides limited
results unless the entire residential area is treated.